Environment

…Matt Hopwood, who continues his walks meeting people, listening to their personal stories about their lives and loves. Matt tells us:

“On this journey I will be gathering the love stories of local people I meet, seeking hospitality on the path, searching out the human stories of the land & communities I pass through. Connecting and exploring how we as people connect, how we ‘belong’ to a place, what ‘home’ might mean and how can these stories of love allow us to connect, bringing down barriers and drawing people together.

GET INVOLVED

Walk with me as I journey, share your story, offer hospitality on the road, welcome me to your community. I am journeying in search of connection, without money, food or bed, going where the path leads.”

A different take on free cultural spaces!

Lots of emotion; lots of different tales from Matt and the people he has encountered.

“The aardehuizen in Olst were inspired by Earthships of architect Michael Reynolds. The first Earthships date back to the ‘70s and have been tested thoroughly by use. Discarded materials and local building materials determine the buildings. An earthship is designed for off-grid living.

Architect Michel Post of Orio Architecten has modified the design to meet Dutch conditions. (rains, temperature through the year and soil).

12 of the buildings have tire walls – filled with rammed earth – supporting the roof. The other 11 buildings are built with straw walls with a wood frame supporting the roof. The roofs are slanted 9º to catch a maximum of sun in winter and very little sun in summer.”

“The whole ethos of the Abundant Earth Community are fundamentally of the inclusivity of people and ideas instead of exclusivity. A workers and housing co-operative, skill and knowledge sharing, harmony and joint aims being put into practice. The power of unity can defeat any adversity.

“The Access to Land network brings together grassroots organisations from across Europe to share experiences and promote the significance of access to land for agro-ecological transition and generational renewal. Established in 2012, it functions as an informal network of about 15 organisations.”

Below, is a link to the organisation’s website plus one to the Soil Association page debating similar issues.

The website tells us that, 65 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona: “Arcosanti is an urban laboratory focused on innovative design, community, and environmental accountability. Our goal is to actively pursue lean alternatives to urban sprawl based on Paolo Soleri’s theory of compact city design, Arcology (architecture + ecology).

Built by over 7,000 volunteers since the commencement of the project in 1970, Arcosanti provides various mixed-use buildings and public spaces where people live, work, visit, and participate in educational and cultural programs.”

According to the ‘Guardian’ article it is still only 3% complete! But it looks fascinating…

Links to the life and times of Albert Bates, American author, long time communard at the Farm Eco-village, and permaculture ambassador. The article intros states: “We are in a crisis in the evolution of human society. It’s unique to both human and geologic history. It has never happened before and it can’t possibly happen again. Albert Bates, author of ‘The Financial Collapse Survival Guide and Cookbook’, brings you along on his personal journey.”

“As a born-again Christian minister Annika Mongan was sent out to convert Pagans. But through years of traveling and studying she became alienated from fundamentalism and found a new home in Witchcraft. Today she celebrates being born again and again, a lifelong cycle of transformation.

Annika is the founder of an intentional Pagan community in California, an avid mushroom hunter and devotional musician.”

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We aim to incorporate:

– an ideas exchange – with various forums for discussion and debate
– resources sections with hyperlinks and actual information material. Potentially an online library with links to specific resources and publications, images, videos, and
– a 'web of hubs’ to sites, organisations and individuals around the world.
It’s a bold dream…we hope you and friends will help it grow…